How do you explain cystic fibrosis to a child?

How do you explain cystic fibrosis to a child?

HomeArticles, FAQHow do you explain cystic fibrosis to a child?

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease in which the body makes very thick, sticky mucus. The mucus causes problems in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. People with cystic fibrosis (SIS-tik fye-BROH-sis) get lung infections often. Over time, they have more trouble breathing.

Q. Which factor if described by the parents of a child with cystic fibrosis?

The greatest risk factor for cystic fibrosis is a family history of the disease, especially if either parent is a known carrier. The gene that causes cystic fibrosis is recessive. This means that in order to have cystic fibrosis, children must inherit two copies of the gene, one from each parent.

Q. How does CF impact on a child’s biological maturation?

Trouble with physical development, growth, and gaining weight is one of the most common problems children with cystic fibrosis face. Growing requires extra energy and nutrients in any child, but children with CF need extra calories (energy) to breathe and fight infections.

Q. What are the first signs of cystic fibrosis in babies?

How do you know if your baby has CF?

  • Coughing or wheezing.
  • Having lots of mucus in the lungs.
  • Many lung infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Salty skin.
  • Slow growth, even with a big appetite.
  • Meconium ileus, when meconium gets stuck in a newborn’s intestine.

Q. At what age is CF diagnosed?

Most children are now screened for CF at birth through newborn screening and the majority are diagnosed by age 2. However, some people with CF are diagnosed as adults.

Q. At what age do cystic fibrosis symptoms start?

Median age at diagnosis of cystic fibrosis is 6-8 months; two thirds of patients are diagnosed by 1 year of age. The age at diagnosis varies widely, however, as do the clinical presentation, severity of symptoms, and rate of disease progression in the organs involved.

Q. What is cystic fibrosis life expectancy?

While there is no cure yet for cystic fibrosis (CF), people with CF are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. In fact, babies born with CF today are expected to live into their mid-40s and beyond. Life expectancy has improved so dramatically that there are now more adults with cystic fibrosis than children.

Q. Can you get cystic fibrosis later in life?

While most cystic fibrosis patients are diagnosed by the time they are two years old, and others are diagnosed in adulthood. It’s important to recognize that there are more than 1,800 mutations in the cystic fibrosis gene, which may complicate the diagnosis.

Q. How is cystic fibrosis detected?

The sweat test is the standard test for diagnosing cystic fibrosis. It may be used if you have symptoms that may indicate cystic fibrosis, or to confirm a positive diagnosis from a screening of your newborn baby. A normal sweat chloride test alone does not mean you do not have cystic fibrosis.

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